The report says Asada, investigating use of banned substances in the AFL and NRL, could issue show-cause notices to 40 players from Essendon in 2012 and 17 players from Cronulla Sharks in 2011.

Asada refused to comment on the report. "Asada is unable to discuss operational matters associated with an investigation until such time as its legislation permits," a spokesman for the body said on Monday.

The AFL said it was unaware of any developments in Asada's investigations. "We haven't been provided with any update from Asada and the investigation remains in their hands," an AFL spokesman said.

Asada has been investigating possible use of banned substances at Essendon in 2012 and at Cronulla in 2011.

Fairfax Media reported up to 40 players at Essendon in 2012 at the time of the club's controversial supplements program would receive show-cause notices, with 17 players on Cronulla's roster in 2011 to also be issued the notices.

The use of banned substances carries a mandatory two-year ban and while some players have moved on, both football clubs face greatly reduced ranks if players are ultimately found to have transgressed anti-doping laws.

Show-cause notices are the initial step in taking action against athletes who Asada believes transgressed doping laws. While they don't result in a suspension, the notices can be followed by infraction notices for anti-doping violations which could lead to bans.

Former federal police assistant commissioner Ben McDevitt started his new job on Monday as Asada's chief executive and has pledged to take up the unresolved Essendon and Cronulla cases with urgency.